IGas gets the approval by the Secretary of State of Energy and Climate Change for its plans for the commercial production of coal bed methane (CBM) gas from its site at Doe Green, between Warrington and Widnes. In a first for the UK, the CBM gas produced will be used to generate electricity.

The approval of this field development programme marks a significant milestone for the company, which has estimated Gas Initially in Place in the UK of over 1.5 trillion cubic feet of the gas which is found in seams of coal. CBM is acknowledged to have the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK’s energy supply.

IGas, in conjunction with its partner Nexen, is currently drilling additional lateral legs at the Doe Green site, within PEDL 145. First gas is expected to be produced in the coming months, and will be used to produce electricity which will be sold locally. Generation equipment has already been installed at the site and is ready for commissioning.

IGas CEO Andrew Austin said, “We are delighted to have received approval for our plans to deliver first gas from our site in Warrington. This demonstrates the commercial potential of IGas’ acreage and of the contribution CBM can make to our domestic energy security.”

Tags: Island Gas Resources